After watching the Cardinals get shut out last night by Tim Lincecum and the Giants (94 pitches, people) we Cardinals fans are probably looking for some relief, and luckily we may be able to find that relief from All-Star game.  The All-Star break will hopefully provide a nice jolt to the Cards in the form of a little rest and a little motivation.  The 2009 All-Star game in St. Louis is the 80th All-Star game and if voting were to end today, both Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina would be in the starting line up.  While both Redbirds have leads at their respective positions, the voting continues until 10:59 p.m. central time on Tuesday, July 2.  You can vote online up to 25 times per e-mail address (I’m glad all elections don’t work this way), so I suggest if you haven’t done your part in getting our boys in the starting line up, you go ahead and mosey on over here.  Let’s give the best from our NL team a chance to break the National League’s 12 game losing streak! 

Aside from the various All-Star Arches you may have seen throughout downtown Saint Louis and Forest Park, there are several other events going on surrounding the All-Star Game itself.  The 19th annual All-Star Fan Fest is going down July 10 through July 14 at America’s Center.  I’ve never been to an All-Star Fan Fest, but it kind of sounds like it’s a theme park for baseball lovers.  Admission is $30 for adults, $25 for children and the event runs daily from 9 am to 8 pm, except on the 14th, when the event will end at 6 pm so people will have time to make it down a few blocks/home for the actual All Star game.  There will be free autograph sessions and interactive exhibits, in addition to memorabilia, and Major League clinics and seminars for all.  I’m slightly concerned that if I go, I will want to compete in all of the games for the children, as it looks like they can make their own baseball cards and have their time around the basese recorded among other pretty great interactive activities. 

New this year to the All-Star events is the All-Star Charity 5K and Fun Run sponsored by Nike and Sports Authority.  The first time race will be held on Sunday, July 12 and the timed 5K starts at 7:30 am at Busch and leads runners to America’s Center and the 1.1 mile Fun Run starts half an hour later at 8:00 am.  The 5K is $30 for adults and $25 for children, and the Fun Run is $20 for adults and $15 for children (but if you wait until after the 4th of July to sign up the price goes up by five bucks).  If you are wanting to laugh at run with the Girls Guide you can join our team when you register! The proceeds from the run benefit three different charities dedicated to fighting cancer. Besides the All-Star Charity 5k and Fun Run on June 12th you can catch the Futures Game, a baseball game showcasing some of the best players in the minor leagues, and the Legends and Celebrity Softball game which will pit Hollywood Celebrities against former All Stars in a softball show down.  While I can’t find a line up for this year’s event any where, I do know last year’s game had Ozzie and Whoppi.  Now, if that’s not a recipe for entertainment (take that however you please) I’m not sure what is. 

The annual Home Run Derby will be held on the night before the All-Star game, July 13.  Albert is scheduled to compete in his home stadium, along with 7 other hopefuls, to be crowned the Home Run Derby winner.  The event happens in three rounds, starting with eight competitors in the first, narrowing down to four in the second round and the final two battle in the third round.  While I do enjoy the Home Run Derby, I propose there should be a Bunt Off Challenge as well to see which player can bunt for the most base hits.  Or there should be a Steal Show Down Throw Down where you pit the players with the most stolen bases against the catchers with the best throw ‘em out percentages!  I’m just sayin’ we should reward the small ball, too.  Show a little love!  

And finally, while I know Albert and Yadi are the big names among the Cardinals these days, I’d like to highlight a less often recognized player; my Up and Coming All-Star, if you will. I’m completely enthralled by Brendan Ryan.  I was a fan of Ryan two seasons ago when he was squirrelly infielder making a late season debut.  Yes, I admit, I do love his stirrups and flat bill hat, but what I admire most about Ryan is his demeanor.  He’s not reserved about his desire to play and to win.  He brings animated enthusiasm to the team without seeming to come straight out of Looney Tunes.  He is consistent at short stop and is hitting precariously close to .300 – one of the few players on the team to do so at this point in the season.  Ryan has a wiry charisma about him that makes me glad he’s on our team.  Even thought I’m the queen of superstition Ryan makes me want to wear a number 13, but I have yet to see t-shirts with his name and number on the back.  I guess I’m saying I think Ryan has rounded second and is on his way to third.  Then he’s only a short 90 feet from home and becoming a fan favorite and Cardinals regular.